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This is a very early Tonneau cased man's wrist watch
from the end of WW I and in all original, extra fine condition. Full
sized 26mm x 38mm wire lug Nickel case with art neuveau chased bezel is
signed inside the back "Longines Staybrite Swiss Made" and bears the
matching serial number to the movement, guaranteeing a factory original
watch. The hinged snap back is in good condition and has been lightly
buffed recently. Factory original finish Longines silvered dial with
black numerals and sunken sub seconds. Original blued steel hands and
flawless glass crystal. Crown is a replacement. Inside is the original
Longines cal. 11.84N 15 ruby jeweled movement with three finger bridges
and bearing the 1918 serial number that matches the case number. The
watch is running properly and keeping time. Fitted with a new Hirsch
brown lizard 15mm strap (not pictured.)
This is one of the earliest examples of a factory
production civilian styled man's wristwatch ever made. Men didn't wear
wrist watches prior to WW I and thru the war years the vast majority
were either ladies pocket watch conversions or what has come to be known
as "trench" watches, either round or cushion cased, but distinctly
utilitarian and military in appearance. This 1918 Longines is one
of the earliest in the genre of stylish men's civilian watches as we
know them today. |
